New Faces at the Libraries – Kari Furan

Kari Furan joined the UW-Madison Libraries in February 2021 as a Library Assistant III with Wisconsin TechSearch. Please join us in welcoming her!

She came to us from Digital Publishing & Printing Services here on campus, where she had worked as a Publications Editor for over a decade. Having graduated from the UW’s School of Library and Information Studies (now the iSchool), it had been on Kari’s mind to make a change to a library-related position. When this opening was posted, she thought it sounded like it would be a great fit.

Despite not having met many of her coworkers in person, Kari says she’s been able to connect and interact with them in such a way she often forgets they haven’t met face-to-face yet! She’s looking forward to learning more about and exploring Memorial Library – she explains, “Even though I did my undergraduate and graduate studies at the UW, I somehow missed the memo on its awesomeness!”

When she’s not working, Kari likes to explore Madison. She recently stumbled upon Period Garden Park, which she describes as a hidden garden space with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and a beautiful fountain. She recommends a visit if you’re passing by!

She also enjoys walks and checking out Little Free Libraries. She’ll often return home to read her newly acquired treasures on her deck with her partner and their cat (in her cat tent!).

Five Fun Facts about Kari:

1. Hidden talent: I enjoy playing the clarinet

2. Favorite book: Mapping Mythland by CJ Standal – This is a fantasy/adventure story that my partner wrote for me under his pseudonym that has versions of us as characters (including our cat!) and it incorporates aspects of our personalities, family histories, and how we met.

3. Can’t wait for: The second Downton Abbey movie

4. Favorite color: Purple

5. Volunteer activity: I try to give blood as often as I can through various Red Cross blood drives on campus.